Free Radio Berkeley offers TV transmission kit for sale

In mid-November, Free Radio Berkeley began offering a low-power television transmission kit for sale, priced at less than $1000.

The group’s foray into television broadcasting is certain to be unwelcome news to the FCC and NAB, which have attempted to thwart the group’s pirate radio activities.

The group is offering both VHF and UHF low-power transmission kits made with commonly available, off-the-shelf components.

Current designs reportedly can transmit TV signals four to five miles. A VHF transmitter and antenna system with 75 watts of effective radiated power costs about $500. A system with 400 watts of effective radiated power costs between $700 and $800. UHF systems are available for $800 to $1100.